Local professional mixed martial arts fighter D.J. "Da Protege" Linderman is ready for what he said is a fight that could take him to the next level.

It was announced on Tuesday that Linderman is set to fight a top opponent in former UFC fighter Anthony Johnson in Las Vegas on Nov. 3 at the Planet Hollywood Hotel & Casino.

D.J. recently signed a three fight contract with the World Series of Fighting, which is putting on the bout. His match is a co-main event. It will be shown live on national television on the NBC Sports Network, which was formally Versus.

"Oh yeah, it's a big one," an excited Linderman said. "It's going to be the biggest fight of my career against a known fighter."

With a victory, Linderman believes that there is an excellent chance of moving on to the UFC, which is considered the NFL of pro mixed martial arts.

If he loses, he said, it could move him down a bit in some people's eyes. but, Linderman said, the gains outweigh the risks.

"It's a great opportunity for my career," he said.

Johnson is 13-4 overall, while Linderman is 13-3. D.J. said that Davis is an experienced fighter and he knows he has to bring his A game. But, he said, he loves a challenge like this and the opportunity to prove himself on such a large stage.

Linderman last fought in July, when he won against Dale Mitchell by TKO in Houston. D.J. is currently riding a three bout win streak.

To sign with the World Series of Fighting group he had to leave Bellator, who he last fought for. That meant he had to give up his Cage Warriors Fighting Championship heavyweight belt, which he won this past June in Dublin, Ireland against Mike Hayes. Because of his new contract, Linderman had to pull out of a fight in Sweden, which was scheduled for this Saturday.

"They have been good to me," Linderman said about the World Series of Fighting group. "It seems like an organization that I can work with."

Linderman, who has trained for a number of years at Dosomthin Athletics Gym in Yreka said that the gym has been extremely supportive of him as he prepares for this bout.

Linderman has to drop about 30 pounds to make the 205 weight requirement. While a challenge, he said he has dropped weight like this before and knows how to do it the right way.

Local fans of D.J. can watch the fight live on Nov. 3 at the Miner Street Sports Bar, Linderman said. He also expects a number of friends and family to make the trip to Vegas, which he said means a lot to him.